Studio portrait of Private (Pte) Thomas Cooke VC, 8th Battalion, of Richmond Vic and was killed in action on 28 July 1916. Pte Cooke was awarded his VC for most conspicuous bravery, after a Lewis gun had been disabled, he was ordered to take his gun and gun-team to a dangerous part of the line. Here he did fine work, but came under very heavy fire, with the result that finally he was the only man left. He still stuck to his post, and continued to fire his gun. When assistance was sent he was found dead beside his gun. He set a splendid example of determination and devotion to duty.